There’s nothing like the warm, comforting aroma of Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bread baking in the oven. This moist, spiced loaf is perfect for fall and makes a delicious snack or breakfast treat. It’s easy to whip up and full of classic pumpkin flavor, with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to make every bite cozy and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bread
- Moist and Flavorful: Packed with pumpkin puree and warm spices, this bread stays moist for days.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, you can easily pull this recipe together whenever the craving hits.
- Perfect for Fall: Nothing says fall like the rich flavor of pumpkin and spices in a soft loaf.
Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bread
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk: To blend the ingredients smoothly.
- 9×5 inch loaf pan: For baking the bread.
- Spatula: To spread the batter evenly.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.
Step 5: Bake the Pumpkin Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a smear of butter or cream cheese for a cozy breakfast or snack.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect fall treat.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread
- Use Pure Pumpkin Puree: Make sure you’re using pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices.
- Don’t Overmix: To keep the bread soft and tender, mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
- Add Extras: For a bit of texture, you can mix in chocolate chips, raisins, or cranberries along with the nuts.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Later: Pumpkin bread freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Yes! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin flesh, and then drain any excess liquid before using it in the recipe.
Q2: How can I make this bread gluten-free?
A: Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q3: Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can reduce the sugar by about ¼ cup without losing much sweetness, but the texture may be slightly less tender.
Conclusion: A Cozy Fall Favorite!
This Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bread is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall. It’s moist, packed with warm spices, and so easy to make. Enjoy it with your favorite warm drink, and be sure to share a slice with friends and family—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Let us know how your pumpkin bread turns out, and feel free to customize it with your favorite add-ins!
